



/ 











013 704 759 7 



HoUinger Corp. 
pH8.5 



STATEMENT 



OF 



FOSTEE BLODGETT, 



AND EVIDENCE, 



IN EEPLY TO THB CHAKGES OF 



JOSHUA HILL. 



Made in the United States Senate, April 10, 1871. 



^ 



' U.S.A. 



WASHmOTON, D. C, APRIL 24, 1871. 



^ 



STATEMENT. 



Washington, D.C, April 24, 1871. 
To the Honorable 

The Senators of the TJ. S. Congkess : 

Pkeyious to the wanton, public attack upon my private 
character, by Joshua Hill, in the Senate of the TJnited States 
on the 10th of April last, I had chosen to regard him as a lair 
opponent, who would deal in facts, and use the language ot a 
gentleman in his opposition to me. But his fierce, vmchctive 
attack, which surprised and disgusted honorable senators on 
that day, presents him to the world as a mahgnant falsiher, 
and, were he not protected by his senatorial position, a slan- 
derer of private character. 

Who is Joshua Hill, who rises in the United States Senate, 
and arraigns a republican senator elect, and opposes his ad- 
mission to the enjoyment of the rights of his seat with your 

honorable body ? ^ • ^ 

He was elected to the Senate, in 1868, by a vote of nmety- 
six democrats and ten repubhcans ! Since his admission to the 
Senate, he has regularly caucassed with the repubhcans, and, 
in every instance, voUd with the democrats ! 

Still, in Washington, he claims to be a repubUcan, while m 
Georgia, he is a sound democrat ! 

In his speech of April 10, 1871, Joshua Hill charged me 
with having committed perjm-y in taking the " test oath, and 
with having been a member of a vigilant committee m 
Augusta, in 1861, and persecuting Union and Northern men 

In answer to these charges, and aU others made by Hill, 1 
have convincing and undeniable proof of their utter falsity, 



and will first present a communication made by me to tlie 
Postmaster-General, July 20, 1865, previous to receiving my 
appointment as Postmaster at Augusta : 

EVIDENCE OF FOSTER BLODGETT'S LOYALTY. 

Washington, D.C, July 20, 1865. 
To the Hon. Postmaster- General, United States. 

Dear Sir, — The undersigned represents that a large num- 
ber of the citizens of Augusta, Ga., have petitioned for his 
appointment as Postmaster at the city of Augusta ; that he 
has also the recommendations of the Hon. John P. King, en- 
dorsed by the Hon. James Johnson, Provisional Governor of 
the State of Georgia, also from the Hon. Benjamin F. Perry, 
Provisional Governor of South Carolina, and from quite a 
number of distinguished citizens of other states. He further 
represents that he was, at the commencement of the late re- 
bellion, and has been since, a Union man ; that he was the 
President of a large Union meeting, held in Augusta, in De- 
cember, 1860 ; that at that time he was mayor of said city of 
Augusta, and that, both privately and officially, used his in- 
fluence, and every effort in his power, for the preservation of 
the Union ; that in consequence of the open and outspoken 
course pursued by him, and the assistance rendered by him- 
self personally, in extricating citizens of the JSTorthern States 
from mobs and " vigilant committees," he rendered himself 
extremely obnoxious to a large number of the people then in 
Augusta ; that he was threatened, time and again, by anony- 
mous letters, and* otherwise — with a coat of tar and feathers, 
the destruction of his residence by fire, and even with death 
itself ; that his family, consisting of a wife, four children, an 
aged mother and a sister, were constantly in imminent peril, 
as well as himself, from the violent mob spirit which at that 
time prevailed ; that, ha"\ang a large family depending upon 
him for support, and not being wealthy, it was impossible for 
him to leave the country ; that he consulted with a number 
of his friends who agreed with him in sentiment, and they 
advised him to enter the army of the so-called Confederate 



States, that the lives of himself and family might be spared, 
and his property saved ; that upon that advice, he did enter 
the army for a time, but as soon as he possibly could, he with- 
drew, and from that time, by good management, succeeded in 
keeping out of the Confederate service. He withdrew from 
the so-called Confederate army in April, 1862. 

He would further represent, that he never was in any bat- 
tle or skii'mish whatever, never fired a gun or di*ew a sword 
against any soldier or citizen of the United States ; that he 
was enlisted for twelve months, but only done servnce for about 
half that time. He feels confident, that but for his having 
been in the rebel army, that, strongly recommended as he is, 
and endorsed by the Governor of his State, he would certain- 
ly receive the office he seeks ; but wishing to conceal nothing, 
he makes this statement, which can be substantiated by a 
number of as good Union men, in Augusta, as ever lived. He 
hopes that his reasons for having been found in the rebel army 
for a short time, may not appear voluntary, but for the pur- 
pose of protecting himself and family. He can conscientious- 
ly take the oath of office prescribed by Congress, and will do 
it if necessary ; but still, for the purpose of preventing any in- 
sinuations from parties not conversant with the circumstances, 
would prefer a slight modification. He represents that he 
was always very popular in Augusta, never having failed to be 
elected, till he took the course he did in defence of the Union. 
He therefore respectfully prays that he may be appointed 
Postmaster of Augusta, in consonance with the wishes of a 
large majority of the citizens of that city. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

Your obedient servant, 
(Signed,) Fostee Blodgett. 

P. S. — I would respectfully refer to the Hon. Benj. F. Per- 
ry, Provisional Governor of South Carolina, and the whole 
delegation who are now in this city. Also, to all the original 
Union men of Augusta, Ga., where I have lived during my 
whole life, except for a short time during the rebellion. 

(Signed,) F. B. 



6 

Post-Office Depaetmetstt, Appoi:srTME]SiT Office, 

Januarij 9, 1868. 

I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of an original let- 
ter on file in this office. 

St. John B. S. Skinner, 
First Assf. P.M. Gen. 

By the foregoing it will be seen I made a fi'ee, frank, open 
statement of my connection with the rebellion to the Post- 
master General, attempting to conceal nothing, and desiring 
to do nothing wrong. 

Upon my statement to the P. M. General, that gentleman 
decided that I could take the oath, which is shown by the fol- 
lowing letter from Gov. Bullock, to Hon. A. T. Akerman, 
Attorney General. 

Executive Department, State of Georgia, 

Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 1st, 18T0. 

Hon. Amos T. Akerman, AUy. Genl., TJ. S. : 

Sir, — At the request of the counsel for Hon. Foster Blodgett 
I take pleasure in making a written statement of a fact that I 
would testify to upon oath in court, if Mr. B. should be forced 
to stand a trial upon the malicious prosecution which political 
influence has caused to be broug-ht ag-ainst him. 

In the year 1865 I made an application for the appointment 
of Post Master at Augusta, and the Hon. Mr. Dennison, then 
P. M. Gen'L, had decided to give me the appointment. After 
this decision I learned that a large portion of the citizens of 
Augusta desired the appointment of Mr. Blodgett to that office, 
and that he was endorsed by Gov. Johnson and other promi- 
nent men. Knowing that Mr. B. was competent and worthy, 
and had been a Union man, though unavoidably connected for 
a time with the rebel army, I decided to withdraw in favor 
of his appointment, provided he could qualify. 

Mr. Blodgett then made a written statement of his course 
and of his connection with the Confederacy, and filed it with 
the P. M. Gen'l., and upon reading this statement and hearing 
my explanation, Geii'l. Dennison expressed the opinion that 



2£r. Blodgett could qualify ^ and with that understanding the 
appointment was made. 

There was no concealment, or attempt made in that direc- 
tion, of the connection which Mr. Blodgett had for a time 
maintained with the Confederacy, and the oath of office vms 
not talcen until after these statements had heen considered hy 
the P. 31. GenH., and he was satisfied that Mr. B. could con- 
scientiously swear that his connection with the rebellion was 
not voluntary. 

Yery respectfully, 

(Signed,) Rufus B. Bullock. 

The above statements of facts are from my own personal 
knowledge. B. 

As will be hereafter seen, the statement to the P. M. Gen'l. 
is corroborated and fully proven by voluminous evidence. 

In order to show I was not the willing and swift disunion- 
ist Hill would make me out to be, I will present various 
anonymous letters I received, being but a few of those sent 
me, but all I can lay my hands on now : 



ANONYMOUS LETTERS. 

(1.) 

ArGUSTA, April 10, 1861. 
Mk. Foster Blodgett : 

Sm, — Eemarks made by you of late in opposition to seces- 
sion and in favor of the U. S. Government, renders it neces- 
sary for you to at once enter the Confederate army or be 
severely dealt with. The opposition against you is of such 
a character as to lead to the most fatal results. Your rescue 
of that man, Thayer, has never been forgotten or excused. 
He should have been hung, and if you are not soon in the 
Southern army you will share the fate he so justly deserved. 
So if you desire to live act promptly. "J. word to the wise is 
sufficient.''^ W. 



(2.) 

Augusta, April 12, 1861. 



Mk. Foster Blodgett : 



Sm, — I wrote you two or three days ago, telling you that 
you must go at once into the army. I have seen no indication 
of your doing so. I now write to say that you have been ad- 
judged a traitor to the South and deserve death, which will 
be surely inflicted upon you, but we prefer you should go into 
the Southern army, and perhaps you may be killed by some 
of your d****d Yankee friends. You have said at the Court 
House that you " never would fight against the United States." 
Now you have your choice either to go into our anny or be 
assassinated. You will be called upon by one of our men per- 
sonally, in a day or two. Look well to your Residence, to 
your head. Think of your Wife, children, mother and sister 
tui'ned out houseless and homeless and you a corpse. Go, Go, 
Go, to the army or die. "^ word to the wise is sufficient.'''' 

(3.) 

Augusta, April lUh, '61. 

Mr. Blodgett, — I write to inform you, although personally 
unacquainted, that there is a conspiracy to take your life and 
destroy your property. Last night I heard at a disreputable 
house some of their plans. You are to be secretly murdered, 
and fire set to your dwelling, unless you enter the army. 
Some of them were for killing you anyhow, but it was deter- 
mined that your life would be spared if you joined the army 
right ofi". There was about fifteen of them. Barney Willis 
and Henry Porter were the most bitter against you. I write 
this as a duty, and advise you to join at once. Please don't 
say anything about this letter, or they might kill me. I am 
from the North, and the only thing they seem to have against 
you is yom- kindness to the Yankees, and your hostility to 
secession. Yours, F. 



9 

(4.) 

Augusta, April 16, 1861. 

Mr. Foster Blodgett, — Mr. H. J. P. has reported that he 
saw you and you promised to join. I write to say you are 
watched and your footsteps are dogged. You can't fool us. 
So beware, for there are over twenty of us who have taken 
the most solemn oath to kill you if you do not go into the 
Southern army. ISTow, don't make this public, for if you do 
you will die. Of course you only know positively one of our 
party, but I assure you the remainder are as determined as 
he, and wi 1 avenge anything that may happen to him. Go 
at once into the army as you ought, and all will be well with 
thee and thine. W. 

Mr. " H. J. P." mentioned in the above letter, was, un- 
doubtedly, designed for Henry J. Porter, mentioned in the 
letter signed "F." 

The following affidavits establish the authenticity of the 
anonymous letters : 

State of Georgia, Richmond County. 

Personally appeared before me, Samuel Levy, a Justice of 
the Inferior Court of said County, William H. StaUings and 
Shadrach S. Pardue, who being by me duly sworn, depose 
and say. That they verily believe the letters accompanying 
this affidavit are a portion of the letters received by Foster 
Blodgett in April, 1861, that a large number of anonymous 
letters were shown to them by said Foster Blodgett in said 
month of April, 1861, which said letters were all generally of 
the import of those now exhibited, signed " W " and " F," 
and were all of the most threatening character. Deponents 
further state, That they are citizens of Augusta in said Coun- 
ty, well known in said City ; That they were well acquainted 
with public sentiments in said City before the war, and that 
the utmost violence of feeling was manifested by the turbulent 
among the people against the said Foster Blodgett for the 
stand he had taken in opposing secession, and in aiding the 
objects of enmity of the Yigilance Committee to escape. 
Deponent S. S. Pardue further swears, That when the 



10 

company commanded bv said Foster Blodgett was raising, he 
desired to go in it, but be was dissuaded by said Foster Blod- 
gett, who advised him not to go — said Foster Blodgett stating 
that be would not go himself if he was not compelled to do 
80. W. H. Stallings, 

S. S. Pardfe. 

Sworn and subscribed before me this Sept. 3d, 1867. 
Samuel Levy, J. I. C. R. C. 

State of Georgia, Richmond County. 

Personally appeared Eliza S. Blodgett and Mary E. Ells, 
who, being duly sworn, say, that they are the mother and sis- 
ter of Foster Blodgett, of said county ; that it comes within 
then- knowledge, that the sentiment of a large number of the 
people of the city of Augusta, in said county, was exceedingly 
violent against said Foster, on account of his Union feeling; 
and that numerous letters were received by him, threatening 
death, the burning of his residence, and other outrages, before 
the war ; and that he went into the army, not from any desire 
to benefit the rebellion, but solely on account of the reason- 
able fears he entertained for his person, property and family. 

Eliza S. Blodgett, 
Mart E. Ells. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 3d day of Septem- 
ber, 1867. David S. Boats, 

Not. Pub. B. a, Ga. 

The following affidavit of Wm. H. Stallings, one of the 
Btaunchest and most respectable citizens of Augusta, attests my 
Unioniam, and that my life was violentl}^ threatened by Henry 
J. Porter, openly and publicly to my face : 

THE KU-KLUX OF 18G1. 
State of Georgia, Fulton County. 

Before me, a notary public, in and for said county, this day, 
came William H. Stallings, and on oath makes the following 
statement : 

That he is now, and was in 1860 and 1861, a resident of 



11 

Augusta, in this State ; and that in said city, in the fall of 
1860, and winter and spring of 1861, there existed a highly 
intense feeling and bitterness against any person known to be 
opposed to secession. That Foster Blodgett was, in the fall 
and winter of 1860 and 1861, a known, open Union man, and 
presided, in December, at a Union meeting in the city. Much 
bitterness and denunciation was directed against Mr. Blodgett, 
and other Unionists, dm^ing the winter. 

After the war broke out, and men commenced going into 
the Confederate army, this feeling against Union men became 
more heated ; so that most Union men who could, had left the 
city. There was a very heavy pressure, to force men into the 
Confederate army, and to my personal knowledge, many 
threats were made against Union men who declined or hesi- 
tated to engage in the Confederate service. 

Mr. Blodgett was, and for years had been, a prominent pol- 
itician in Angusta; and during the spring of 1861, I have 
myself seen him take from the post-office "• bucket letters,"* and 
I have read the same, which letters threatened his life, and to 
burn his property, etc., unless he entered the Confederate 
army. 

In April^ 1861, Mr. Blodgett and I were walking the public 
streets^ and met H. B. Willis and Henry J. Porter. Porter was- 
a man of much influence among the rash and violent men^ and 
was himself a notorious secessionist and violent man. 

They both coramenced abusing us, hut especially 3Ir. Blod- 
gett i and Porter and Willis said publicly to Blodgett, tlicd if he 
did not join the Confederate army, that his life would be taken. 
Porter said, '"''I will kill you myself. I am selected as a com- 
mittee of one by the vigilance committee, to notify you that we 
will kill you, if you do not volunteer. You cannot escape by 
leaving ; tue will follow you, and kill yoit^ Much other abus- 
ive language was used : the general tenor of all being, that 
Blodgett must join the Confederate army, or neither himself, 
his family, or property would escape violence. 

Shortly after this, Mr. Blodgett entered the Confederate 
army. He told me several times before he went into the 
army, that he only did so to escape the violence to himself 

* Note.— In the South anony mous letters arc called " Bucket Letters." 



12 

and family, with which he was clearly threatened. He talked 
with me, showed me the anonjTiious letters he had received, 
and advised with me about it. I saw two of the letters at his 
office door, (left in the night,) and read them. 

I thought his life and property in danger, and advised him 
to go. And it is my judgment now, that if he had not gone 
to the army, he would have been killed. I advised him to go. 
I heard so many threats, from many persons, against Mr. 
T31odgett, for his known opinions, that I thought his life not 
safe. (Signed,) William H. Stalling. 

Sworn and subscribed before me, this 1st September, 1870. 

H. I. G. Williams, 

Not Pah., F. a 

Hon. Benj. Conley, President of the Georgia State Senate, 
wrote the following letter to the U. S. Attorney-General : 

WORDS OF TRUTH. 

Atlajstta, Ga., Sept. 1st, 1870. 

Hon. Amos T. Akerman, Atty.- General U. S. 

Dear Sib,— At the request of Mr. Foster Blodgett, I write 
this note to say that I have known him from boyhood, and 
during all that time had every confidence in his honesty and 
integrity, I know of my own knowledge that Mr. B, was an 
ardent friend of the Union and opjX)sed secession with all his 
power and influence, that he presided over the last Union 
meeting held in Augusta previous to the Rebellion. That in 
consequence of his open stand and out spoken course he was 
threatened with violence and the destruction of his property 
unless he should enter the Confederate service, that he com- 
municated these threats to his friends then in Augusta, among 
them to the late Thos. S. Metcalf and myself, asking our 
advice in the matter, that we advised him, that, for the pur- 
pose of saving his own life and being at peace, he had better 
go into said service for a time. Ihnow that he did not volun- 
tarily enter said service, but did so for the reasons above 
named, and others which might be stated. I make this state- 



13 

ment of facts witliin my own knowledge as an act of justice to 
my friend Mr. Blodgett. 

With sincere regards I am, Yery Respectfully, 

Your ob't. Servt., 
(Signed,) Benj. Conlet. 

State of Georgia, Richmond County. 

Before me Eichard W. Maher, a Justice of tlie Peace in and 
for said County, this day came William Crittenden, who on 
oath says that he now is, and for many years has been a 
citizen of Augusta, Georgia, That in 1860 and 1861 he was to 
a large extent familiar with the talk of the secession party in 
Augusta, That Mr. Foster Blodgett was the special mark for 
the hatred of the secessionists — he having labored to get up a 
Union meeting in the city, and he also openly professing to be 
a Union man at all hazards. This deponent knows that Mr. 
Blodgett was forced into the Confederate ai-my from the fol- 
lowing facts. Mr. Blodgett Wyis asked in a public crowd after 
the war hrohe out if he was not now willing to fight for the 
South, and he replied he was determined never to fight against 
his Government. Witness heard him say this. It was upon 
this, determined by many to force him to do so. Witness has 
heard many speak of this statement of Blodgett — declare him 
a traitor, and say that he should fight against the U. S., and 
especial eifort was made by various persons by open threats, 
anonymous letters, and otherwise to force Mr. Blodgett to go 
into the Confederate army. 

Witness has a personal knowledge of these facts, and says 
that this remark of Blodgett's made publicly at the Court House 
gave great offence, and was the occasion and reason why 
special resolves and efforts were made to force Mr. Blodgett 
rather than others into the Confederate army. 

(Signed,) Wm. Crittenden. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of Septem- 
ber, 1870. 

(Signed,) Richard W. Maher, J. P. 



14 

"When tlie indictment for perjury was pending the following 
testimonial was given me, signed by some of the most honored 
citizens of Augusta, of all jDolitical shades of opinion : 

State of Georgia, Richmond County. 

The undersigned citizens of Augusta hereby certify that 
they have been personally acquainted with Foster Blodgett, 
of said County, for many years ; that they were acquainted 
with the sentiments of said Foster Blodgett in relation to se- 
cession, and the motives which induced him to enter the Con- 
federate army; that he was violently opposed to secession, 
and exerted all his influence against it, and entered said Con- 
federate service solely on account of the great odium excited 
against 1dm hy the ultra secessionists and the threats of violence 
uttered against hi?n and Ids 2)'''02)erty in the event of Ids failure to 
go into said service. 

(Signed,) 

Benj. Conley, Ephraim Tweedy, David L. Roath, 

William Doyle, George McKenney, Wm. P. Rhodes, 

A. Deas, B. H. Broadnax, Thos. R. Rhodes, 

Thos. N. Philpot, D. G. Cotting, Amos P. Wiggins, 

Jas. R. W. Johnston, Thos. T. Wright, Thos. S. Skinner, 

Jas. B. Rodgers, J. E. Burch, W. E. Broadnax, 

J. Danforth, Thos. S. JVIetcalf, John P. King, 

Wm. C. Derry, Wm. Shear, John Coskery, 

G. Crawford Rhodes. 

While the charge of perjury was pending against me in the 
U. S. Court, at Savannah, Col. Henry S. Fitch, formerly U. S. 
District- Attorney, and who procured the indictment against me, 
addressed the following letter to Judge Lochrane, my counsel, 
showing that he had been made a tool of by my political op- 
ponents to injure me on account of my political opinion : 

POLITICAL PERSECUTION. 

New Tokk, March 27, 1870. 
Dear Judge, — I have seen Mr. Foster Blodgett, and he 
has introduced the subject of his approaching trial and in- 



15 

forms me that you are one of liis counsel. Of course my past 
official relations to this somewhat celebrated case makes it a 
matter of considerable delicacy for me to express any opinion 
as to its real merits ; justice, however, to Mr. Blodgett, as 
well as to his friends, seems to require that I should, when 
called upon, personally give him, as well as my successor in 
office, the benefit of my opinion, to be by them taken for 
whatever it may be worth. For a long time I scorned to be- 
lieve that there could be any political animus at the bottom 
of the complaints made against him, and thought the only ohject 
VMS to vindicate the laio. Subsequent events have convinced 
me that such ivas not the case, and I really regret that I toas 
made use of in this connection. If Mr. Akerman should enter 
a nolle prosequi in the case it would only, in my opinion, be 
an act of justice. I have seen the Attorney-General upon 
the subject, in order that my motives might not be misunder- 
stood, and while he does not deem it his province to instruct 
his District- Attornej^s in such matters, but leaves it entirely 
optional with them, he expressed a desire that I should give 
my views to Mr. Akerman, and I have no doubt would be 
glad to see it ended amicably. 

I will see you in Savannah at Court. 

Yours truly, 
(Signed,) Henry S. Fitch, 

Late V. S. District- Attorney. 

The following letter from Gen. Henry R. Jackson, of Sar 
vannah, one of the most distinguished lawyers and gentlemen 
in the State of Georgia, to the U. S. District-Attorney, but 
speaks the truth as to the justness of my course. 

An influential member of the Democratic Party, which 
latter fact gives his testimony great weight. 

Savannah, Ga., Oct., 25, 1869. 
Hon. John Milledge, U. S. District- Attorney, etc. 

My Dear Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the re- 
ceipt of your letter of the 22d inst. If I am to understand 
that you desire such information as will aid you in deciding 
for yourself a question of official duty, as to whether you shall 



16 

press further the prosecution against my client, Mr. Blodgett, 
I have no objection to giving you the light which, as his at- 
torney, I possess. At the same time, as custodian of his char- 
acter in this criminal prosecution, it is proper for me to state 
that, while I cannot resist, I by no means seek other termina- 
tion to the case than a verdict of acquittal by a jury. 

I have no doubt that he will be triumphantly acquitted by 
an honest jury. 

Mr. Blodgett placed in my hands for his defence, certificates 
from a number of respectable witnesses, to the effect that he 
had been threatened with the harshest treatment of himself 
and his family, should he fail to enter the Confederate service ; 
that these thicats had resulted from his well-known antagon- 
ism to the secession of Georgia from the United States. He 
also confided to my keeping, a number of letters written by 
himself to his wife, upon the eve of joining the Confederate 
army, in which he fully developed the motives whicli prompt- 
ed, or rather the apprehensions which constrained him, to take 
the step. It may be proper to add, that these letters bore un- 
mistakable evidence of their genuineness ; not simply in their 
dates, but in paper, envelopes, and postage stamps. They es- 
tablish the fact that he did not " voluntarily'' enter the mili- 
tary sei-vice of the Confederate States. 

Before taking the oath, alleged to be perjury, Mr. Blodgett 
made in writing, and placed on file, in the P. O. Department 
at "Washington, a succinct statement of his connection with 
the Confederate army, and causes which induced it. Upon 
this statement, he submitted the question to the Postmaster- 
General, whether it would be proper for him to take the oath, 
and was answered in the affirmative. Mr. Blodgett was sur- 
prised by the fact that this document^iry evidence in his de- 
fense was not allowed before the Grand Jury. It is a great 
misfortune that there should have been ex-parte action in a 
matter so seriously involving his character. 

Very respectfully yours, 

Henry K. Jackson. 



17 

ELECTED TO U. S. SENATE. 

While the perjury suit was pending against me, I was elect- 
ed, by the Georgia Legislature, to the U. S. Senate, for six 
years, from the 4th of March, 1871, but, in the following let- 
ter to Governor Bullock, setting forth my views upon the sit- 
uation, I declined to receive a certificate of election, until the 
charge of perjury had been withdrawn, or I had been ac- 
quitted : 

IMPOETANT CORRESPONDENCE. 

Atlanta, Febrxmry 16, 1870. 
To His Excellency, Rufus B. Bullock : 

Sir, — Having been elected by the Legislature of the State 
of Georgia, one of her representatives in the Senate of the 
United States, it becomes a part of your official duty to issue 
to me a certificate of my election. My object in addressing 
you at this time is to request that you withhold such certifi- 
cate for the present. I am well aware that such a request 
coming from myself, will appear singular and unprecedented. 
You will, therefore, pardon me, if I enter somewhat at large 
upon the motive which prompts me to make the same. 

It is a matter of history, and I can, therefore, say it with- 
out being accused of anything like self-praise, that ever since 
the Republican party was organized in Georgia, I have been 
identified, and my name has been connected with it. I pre- 
sided at the last ITnion meeting held in Georgia, and was 
President of the^r.<?z! RepubKcan convention ever held in the 
State. I have labored for the cause of reconstruction without 
intermission, from the first to the last, with all the ability and 
influence which I may possess. 

Bom in Georgia, and having the interest and well-being of 
my native State at heart, 1 sincerely and deeply felt that both 
would be best promoted by the success of the EepubUcan 
party, and the speedy admission of the State, in the manner 
and under the conditions prescribed by Congress. These 
views and those of the Union party, although now in the as- 
cendant, were for a time unpopular ; and although I knew my 
political conduct would expose me to all manner of opposi- 
tion, both political and personal, I yet persevered in the course 
2 



18 

I had marked out for myself. Calumny and slander liad no 
effect to make me falter, or surrender my principles. As your 
Excellency is well aware, every engine of malice and abuse 
was put in operation, and if I received a larger portion of 
venom than others, it was only because I was prominent, earn- 
est and persistent in my advocacy of the Union cause. 

My enemies are only those who are also the enemies of re- 
construction. It was for the purpose of blasting my character 
and destroying my influence, that an indictment, known to be 
founded upon no facts to sustain it, was, for political purposes 
trumped up against me. 

Although no effort has been made, or was ever intended to be 
made, to prosecute it to effect, yet it still stands in the Court. 
I have no fear of it, or its consequences ; and that this effort 
has had no effect here in Georgia, I think I can safely aflSrm, 
in view of the vote which I have so lately received for the 
high position of United States Senator. 

I was unanimously nominated at the Republican caucus by 
acclamation. The nomination was spontaneously and cheer- 
fully made, as an endorsement of my political record and per- 
sonal character. 

Upon the election in the Legislature, I received every Re- 
publican vote, without exception, while many among the 
Democrats, believing that I had been persecuted without a 
cause, also voted for me. Under this state of facts, it may be 
asked why I should desire you to withhold the certificate of 
my election ; but, sir, I feel it to be due to the great cause of 
Reconstruction, and the noble, true hearted Republican party 
of Georgia, that I should enter the United States Senate, if I 
enter it at all, without a stain upon my record or a blot upon 
my character. 

Although those who procured the indictment alluded to, 
now confess that it was only done for political effect, am^d 
rests unsupported hy amy proof yet it is there, and never 
until it is withdrawn, or I have heen triumphantly acquitted, 
can I, 01' will I accept of the position to which the honorable 
suffrages of my political friends have elevated me. 

I thank them sincerely for this flattering testimonial of their 
appreciation of my political services and personal character ; 



19 

but for the reasons already stated, I request your Excellency 
to withhold the certificate of my election. 

Believing that justice in this matter will now be meted out 
to me, I remain with high respect, 

Tour obedient servant, 

^ Foster Blodgett. 

ExECTJTivE Department, 
Atlanta, Ga. Fel. 16, 1870. 

Hon. Foster Blodgett, TJnited States Senator elect: 

My Dear See, — Your communication of this date request- 
ing me, for reasons which are highly creditable to yourself, 
both in your position as a public man and in your character 
as a Christian citizen, to withhold the certificate which wiU 
entitle you to your seat in. the United States Senate, is 
received. 

In thus acknowledging the receipt of the request, and an- 
nouncing to you that I shall comply with it by withholding 
the certificate until the charge against you, which we all know 
was brought solely for its political effect, " is withdrawn, or I 
[you] have been triumphantly acquitted," I cannot withhold 
the expression of my gratification as a Republican, that it has 
been the good fortune of the party in this State to show to the 
country that the person whom it has continuously chosen as 
its chairman since its first organization, is a man who can rise 
above the temptations and allm'ements of one of the highest 
oflaces in the gift of the people, and decline to take upon him- 
self its honors and its responsibilities, until, by the proper 
action of the courts, malicious charges which have been brought 
against him to destroy his character and his pohtical influence, 
shall have been withdrawn or disproved. 

Thanking you in the name of the party for this renewed 
evidence of your desire to promote its welfare and its success, 
I am 

Yery truly yours, 

KuFus B. Bullock. 



20 

In commenting upon the above action, the Atlanta New 
Era of Feb. 17, 18T0, published the following editorial : 

Hon. Fostek Blodgett and the United States Senate. 

The correspondence which we publish this morning, be- 
tween Hon. Foster Blodgett, United States Senator elect, and 
his Excellency, the Governor, will arrest attention. 

Nothing connected with the history of Georgia politics, 
dui'ing the last five years, is better undei-stood here than the 
utter falsity of the charges alluded to in this correspondence ; 
and there lives not in Georgia a well-informed, fair-minded 
man who does not honestly believe that those charges were 
prefen-ed solely for the purpose of impairing Mr. Blodgett's 
political influence. 

Honest and sincere in his convictions, bold and uncom- 
promising in the annunciation of his political faith, zealous 
and vigilant in all things pertaining to the interests of the lie- 
publican party in Georgia, Mr. Blodgett early became a 
powerful political leader, and therefore a formidable obstacle 
in the way of those whose political fortunes and personal 
aggrandisements were contingent upon the defeat of the Re- 
publican organization in this State. It is a species of political 
warfare peculiar, in many respects, to a set of local politicians 
and reactionists in and about the City of Augusta, and which, 
we regret to say, has been generally adopted by the leaders 
of the Ku-Klux Democracy throughout the State. Their 
policy is to decline meeting an opponent upon the merits of 
the issue in controversy ; to ignore argument ; to substitute 
personal abuse of the most shameless and disgusting charac- 
ter, for legitimate discussion ; and in order to cripple the in- 
fluence of a political opponent, to utter charges and institute 
legal proceedings which they know to be utterly groundless 
and wholly without merits. 

False and malignant as these charges against Mr. Blodgett 
are known to be here, they nevertheless might have a ten- 
dency to impair the interests of the State, were he to claim 
recognition at "Washington as Senator for the long term. And 
although many of Mr. Blodgett's friends wiU regret his de- 
cision as set forth in the correspondence referred to, it never- 



21 

theless shows to the world that he has more concern for the 
interests of his native State, and the triumphant vindication 
of the great principles of the Republican party, than for his 
own personal aggrandisement. It is an example of self-sacri- 
ficing devotion to the party and to the interests of Georgia, 
which should be emulated by true men everywhere, and 
which will be a standing rebuke to those whose conduct in 
political life justifies the suspicion that they seek their own 
promotion rather than their country's good. 

There has seldom lived, in any age or country, a public 
man who has been the object of so much shameless personal 
abuse as has Mr. Blodgett. Only a few weeks since, in this 
city, he was arraigned before one of our local tribunals upon a 
charge of assault with intent to murder ! This charge was 
made by a political opponent, and for no other purpose than that 
of weakening Mr. Blodgett's influence at Washington. The 
investigation disclosed the fact that the indictment was not 
only wholly unsupported, but that Mr. Blodgett appeared 
only in the capacity of peace-maker, and that the very man 
who procured the indictment probably owes his life to Mr. 
Blodgett's interference to preserve the peace ! We allude to 
this fact only for the purpose of showing how utterly un- 
scrupulous have been the means employed to break his in- 
fluence ; and we take this occasion to say that an investiga- 
tion of the charges alluded to in the correspondence between 
himself and the Governor, will reveal how utterly groundless 
have been the calumnies against his good name as a private 
gentleman. 

TREED AND ACQUITTED. 

On the 21st of November, 1870, I, through my counsel, 
succeeded in getting my case to trial, and the following copy 
of the minutes of the U. S. Circuit Court, shows / ivas tried by 
a jury, and acquitted ; notwithstanding Hill said, in his speech 
against me, that the indictment was " quashed," and I was 
not acquitted by a jury of my countrymen : 



22 

EXEMPLIFICATION OF MINUTES OF CIRCUIT COURT. 

United States of Ameeica, Southern District of Georgia^ ss. 

I, James McPlierson, Clerk of the Fifth Circuit Court of 
the United States for the Southern District of Georgia, do 
hereby certify that John Erskine, Esq., who signed the within 
certificate, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a 
Judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of the United States for the 
Southern District of Georgia, duly commissioned and quali- 
fied ; and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his 
acts and attestations, given as such. 

In witness whereof, I have hereto set my hand and the seal 
of said Court, this tenth day of December, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy. 
Jajvies McPherson, 
[seal.] Clerh Fifth Circuit Court of said District. 

United States of America, Southern District of Georgia, ss. 

I, John Erskine, Judge of the District Court of the United 
States for the Southern District of Georgia, do hereby certify 
that James McPherson, who signed the within certificate, is, 
and was at the time of signing the same, the Clerk of the Dis- 
trict and Circuit Courts of the United States for the Southern 
District of Georgia; that full faith and credit ought to be 
given to his acts and attestations given as such, and that his 
said certificate and authentication of the foregoing transcript 
is in due form. 

In witness whereof, I have hereto set my hand this tenth day 
of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 

hundred and seventy. 

John Erskine, 

Judge of the District Court of said District. 

In the Fifth Circuit Court of the United States for the 

Southern District of Georgia. 

November Term, 1870. 

At a Circuit Court of the United States for the Fifth Circuit, 
begun to be holden at Savannah, in and for the Southern 



23 



District of Georgia, on the tenth day o^ November, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy. 
Present, the Honorable William B. Woods, United States 
Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and the Honorable 
John Erskine, United States Judge for the District of 
Georgia, presiding. 



Monday, November 21st, 1870. 

The United States 

vs. 

Foster Blodgett. 



Indictment for Perjury. 



True bill found in the District Court of the United States 
for Southern District of Georgia, November 29th, 1867. 

Kemitted to the Circuit Court, February 11th, 1868. 

This day came the United States by John D. Pope, district 
attorney ; also came defendant in his own proper person, and 
by his counsel and the said defendant waiving arraignment, 
and put to plead, and the said indictment read to him, pleaded 
thereto " not guilty." 

Thereupon, to try the issue joined between the United 

States and the said defendant, a jury being called, came — to 

wit: 1. James Ennis, foreman. 2. Curtis G. Lowe. 3. T. B. 

Whitfield. 4. Grenby G. Jordan. 5. Isaac L. Avant. 6. 

Joseph Danguix. 7. Charles Maclahan. 8. J. E. Mann. 

9. J. T. Wilbur. 10. Charles A. Keith. 11. Alexander 

Doyle. 12. M. S. Yerdery. Who, being empanelled, and 

sworn the truth to speak upon said issue, and true verdict 

render, according to the law and the evidence upon their 

oaths, do find and say as follows, to- wit : 

<" We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty. November 

21,1870. (Signed,) ^ ^ ^ „ 

James Ennis, Foreman:' 

Thereupon, it is considered by the Court that the said de- 
fendant go hence without delay. 



24 

Southern District of Georgia : 

I, James McPherson, Clerk of the Fifth Circuit Court of 
the United States for the Southern District of Georgia, do 
hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of 
the proceedings had in the cause therein stated, as they appear 
on the minutes of the said Court, and of Kecord. 

Witness my official signature and seal of said 
[seal.] Court at Savannah, in said district, this 

tenth day of December, Anno Domini eight- 
een hundred and seventy. 

James McPherson, Clerk. 

The Governor, upon hearing of my acquittal addressed me 
the following letter, enclosing my certificate of election to the 
TJ. S. Senate, which is before your honorable body, and a 
a copy of which follows the letter : 

Executive Depaetment, State of Georgia. 

Atlanta, Ga., Novemher 30, 1870. 
Hon. Foster Blodgett, Senator Elect. 

Dear Sib, — On the 16th day of February last, you re- 
quested that I would withhold your certificate of election to 
the Senate of the United States, and notified me as follows : 
" Although those who procured the indictment alluded to, now 
confess that it was only done for pohtical effect, and rests un- 
supported by any proof, still it is there, and never, until it has 
been withdrawn or I have been triumphantly acquitted can I 
or will I accept the position to which the honorable suff'rages 
of my fellow citizens have elevated me," — and now with con- 
gratulations that even at this late day tardy justice has been 
awarded to you by your full and absolute acquittal by a jury 
of your fellow citizens, of the malicious charges which have 
been made against you for political effect, I have the honor 
and the pleasure to hand you enclosed your certificate as a 
duly elected Senator in the Congress of the United States for 
the term commencing with the 4th day of March next. 

It is not possible for you to be in any manner compensated 
for the terrible ordeal of malignant persecution and abuse 



25 

which has been heaped upon you by the ingenuity and iniquity 
of your poHtical opponents, but you have for yourself and family 
and for your children who shall survive you, the satisfaction 
and justification of receiving the united support and endorse- 
ment of the loyal republican citizens of your native State, in 
your selection for, and election to, the highest official position 
under the Government and Constitution of the United States. 
For yourself personally and officially, you will, I trust, 
accept my expressions of great regard and high esteem. 

Yery truly yours, 
RuFus B. Bullock. 

STATE OF GEOKGLA.. 

To the honorahle the Pt'esident of the Senate of the United 
States, greeting : 

This is to certify that Hon. Foster Blodgett was duly elected 
in accordance with an act of Congress to regulate the times and 
manner of holding elections for Senators in Congress, ap- 
proved July 25, 1866, a Senator for a term beginning with 
the 4th day of March, 1871, and ending with the 3d day of 
March, J-877, in the representation of this State in the Senate 
of the United States. 

Given under my hand and the great seal of the State, at the 
capitol, in the City of Atlanta, the 16th day of February, 
in the year of our Lord 18T0, and of the Independence of 
the United States of America the ninety-fom-th. 

[l. s.] Rueus B. Bullock. 

By the Governor : 

David G. Cotting, 

Secretary of State. 
I DID NOT BELONG TO A VIGILANCE COMMITTEE. 

Now, as to my having been a member of a vigilance com- 
mittee in 1861, to persecute and drive away Union and 
Northern men, I would call especial attention to the letter of 
Dr. H. R. Thayer, of "Worcester, Mass., testifying, in the 
highest terms, to my services in saving him from the violence 
of an infuriated mob. 



26 

WoRCESTEK, Mass., May 18, 1869. 
Hon. J, A. J. Creswell, Postmaster-Generaly Washington, 

D. a 

Dear Sir, — I have just received a letter from Foster Blod- 
gett, Esq., Postmaster of Augusta, Ga., desiring me to give 
you a full account of my expulsion from that city by a mob, 
on the 9th day of November, 1860. I had been a resident 
there for five years previous to the last, which I spent in the 
North, on account of ill health. Having fully recovered, I 
left Boston on the 31st day of October, for Augusta, via 
Charleston, S. C, arriving in Augusta on the 5th day of No- 
vember, where I received a cordial welcome from numerous 
friends. Everything passed pleasantly, till Friday a.m., six 
o'clock, when I received the following note : 

" Dr. Thayer^ — You are hereby notified to leave the city at 
the earliest possible time, or abide the consequences." 

(Signed,) Alex. Phillips and J. M. Hill. 

I immediately sent the note to Mr. Blodgett, then Mayor. 
He called on me at once, and assured me that I should be 
protected ; said he had seen the council judges, and the Grand 
Jury, (the court then being in session) ; that they all agreed 
with him in using any means in his power for my protection, 
and bringing the offending parties to justice. He sent a carriage 
to me at eleven o'clock, to go to court, where an affidavit was 
issued,"and the parties arrested and brought into court. They 
asked for time to prepare for trial, and were given until four 
P.M. I was then conducted back to my hotel by friends, 
where I remained until three p.m., when a carriage again 
came for me to go to the Court-House. As I stepped upon 
the walk, three desperate wretches attacked me, and did their 
best to force me into a carriage, to take me to Hamburg, 
S.C, where my fate would have been sealed in half an hour. 
I was soon rescued from the grasp of these ruffians, and taken 
-back to ray room, and surrounded by friends, who did all in 
their power to protect me from an infuriated mob, which soon 
amounted to thousands. It is but just to say, that Mayor 
Blodgett did all in his power to protect me and mine from 
violence ; also, to disperse the mob, and restore order. 



27 

At half-past five p.m., he came to me, and said our only 
safety was flight ; the mob was getting so exasperated, it was 
feared they would attack the house ; also, that it was impossi- 
ble to raise force sufficient to disperse the crowd and protect 
me from violence. Accordingly, it was arranged that we 
should be taken away privately, while the crowd were held at 
bay in front by speeches from influential citizens. In the 
meantime, a carriage was taken to the rear of the hotel, on 
the back street, to which I was conducted, with my wife and 
daughter, and driven rapidly away, under the protection of 
Maj^or Blodgett, who accompanied us ten miles into the woods, 
down the Savannah road, where we arrived at eight p.m., and 
remained until one o'clock, and took the cars for Savannah, 
where we arrived at half-past seven a.m. ; went directly to the 
steamer, took our rooms, and remained on board until we 
sailed for N.Y,, at four p.m., when we again breathed free, the 
first time for thirty hours, leaving all our effects behind, ex- 
cept the clothes upon our persons. I would say, that I had 
been acquainted with Mayor Blodgett for years, and always 
knew him as a staunch Union Tnan, ever ready to enforce 
law, and do all in his power to restore order, and protect the 
lives and property of all. It affords me pleasure to say, he 
was the first to come to my aid, and did not cease his efforts, 
until he saw us safe without the reach of that infuriated mob. 
I hope and trust the above will be all sufficient to refute aU 
calumnies that may be raised against him, as a disunionist. 
It would afford me much pleasure to know that he is retained 
Postmaster of the city of Augusta. 

Eespectfully yours, 

H. R. Thayer, M. D. 

Also, the following letter, from J. R. W. Johnson, Esq., 
formerly of Augusta, certifying to my Unionism, and upon 
the vigilance committee charge : 

Atlanta, Ga., April 27, 1869. 
Hon. J. A. J. Ckeswell, P. M. General. 

Dear Sir, — Understanding that the enemies of Repubhcan- 
ism in Georgia are making the most desperate efforts for the 



28 

removal of Hon. Foster Blodgett, as Postmaster at Augusta, 
and that, among other calumnies and false accusations, they 
charge him with being " a member of the Vigilance Commit- 
tee of Augusta, in 1860 and 1861, and cruelly treating Union 
men, while he was Mayor of Augusta at that time." A sense 
of justice impells me to give you a statement of what came 
under my own observation, and I do this without the knowl- 
edge or solicitation of Mr. Blodgett, but merely as an act of 
justice and gratitude. I shall be brief as possible. In 1856 
I resided in Maine. Having just entered manhood I became 
an ardent Republican, and worked earnestly and faithfully for 
the election of the first Republican National Candidates, Fre- 
mont and Dayton. I came to Georgia in 185T, and settled 
in Augusta. I took no part in politics, and lived quietly and 
peaceably until "the storm of secession began to gather," when 
it became known that I made some political speeches in 
Maine in favor of Fremont and Dayton. I became a marked 
man, subject to the tender mercies of those chivalric gentle- 
men, who, from members of Yigilance Committees in 1860 
and 1861 have ripened into fall bloom K. K. K.'s of 1869. 

Receiving assurances that I was to be a victim of their 
compassionate love, and having no desire to become an ap- 
pendage to a lamp post, I called upon Mr. Blodge't, then 
Mayor of the City, and stated to him my case and claimed 
from him protection. Having known him intimately for some 
time, he readily and cheerfully promised me every aid in his 
power, and in the course of our conversation / urged him to 
join the yigilance Committee^ believing that he might there 
obtain insight into their actions and aid his Union friends. 
This he positively refused to do, condemning in the most 'positive 
ierms the formation of such committees and his utter abhorrence 
of them. He, however, said that he would so arrange as to 
have a true man there, which he did, and to that information 
thus obtained, myself and others are indebted for preservation 
to-day. I know that Mr. Blodgett was instrumental, and the 
hardest worker, in getting up the last Union meeting held in 
Georgia, which was held at the Court House in Augusta, 
Dec. 24, 1860. For this action many parties threatened his 
life. He was in the almost daily receipt of anonymous letters 



29 

threatening destruction of life, property, etc Many of his 
friends — true Union men — advised him to enter the Confederate 
army, as a means of escaping the daily persecution to which 
he was subjected for being a Union man. "With extreme re- 
luctance and continual protest he yielded to their entreaties — 
joined the C. S. A. — was in no battle, resigned from the ser- 
vice as soon as possible, and kept out of it. When he was 
appointed Postmaster there was no one objected thereto, until 
he became a Republican. Then all the vials of wrath were 
opened, and from that day to this he has endured persecution, 
stood more abuse, been more villified than any Kepublican in 
Georgia. He stands firm. Were he to-day to join the Demo- 
cratic party no man would become more popular than he, for 
he is a hard working politician of great shrewdness and of 
greater influence than any Republican in Georgia. His op- 
ponents are all Democrats — or Eepublicans like Bard and 
Bryant,"^ who were Democrats, before they became " so-called 
Eepublicans," will be Democrats again as soon as they find 
they get no office. I hope Mr. Blodgett may be retained, 
and I believe that is the wish of all Eepublicans throughout 

the State. 

Yery truly yours, 

(Signed,) Jas. E. W. Johnston. 

HAS JOSHUA HILL COMMITTED PERJURY? 

In the Senate proceedings March 15, 1870, on the Georgia 
question, [See Congressional Globe, page 1954,] occurs the fol- 
lowing, read at the request of Senator Stewart, who had the 
floor : The Chief Clerk read the following extract from a print- 
ed letter signed " Joshua Hill," and dated " Madison, Georgia, 
August 31, 1863." 

" It suits the purpose of those accustomed to kill off adver- 
saries by detraction to ascribe opinions and designs to me that 
I never entertained. And friends who have never had sufficient 

*How true tlie above prediction! Bard is now editing the "True 
Georgian," a Democratic paper, flying at its mast-head the name of Gov- 
Hoffman for President, in 1872 ; and said to be owned by Dr. Bard, Joshua 
Hill and Thos. P. Saffold ; while Bryant was the Democratic candidate for 
Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. 



30 

experience to know liow little reliance is to be placed on pledges 
and platforms 'ask for a sign.' It is charged that I am in 
favor of a reconstruction of the Union, opposed to the prosecu- 
tion of the war, and to the administration of President Davis. 
I answer tliese charges to satisfy a class of friends who are really 
ignorant of my sentiments, and not with the hope or desire of 
appeasing the wrath of enemies who regard me as having de- 
signs on their commissary department. 

"Men will fight desperately for subsistence. Since my 
resignation of my seat as a member of the Congress of the 
United States, which occurred immediately upon the with- 
drawal of my colleagues, I have taken no active part in 
politics. I have often expressed my honest convictions that 
the destruction of the Union would be followed by a long and 
bloody war, disastrous beyond precedent in its results to every 
section, and that the idea of dissolving the Union with the 
hope of reconstructing it on a basis more permanent and pro- 
tective of the rights of the slave States was fallacious and 
absurd. I compared the effort to accomplish such an impossi- 
bility to the folly of taking the most delicate glass vase and 
crushing it to atoms in the vain hope of collecting the scattered 
fragments, and by reuniting them making the shathered vessel 
more comely and durable than it was before. It was a strange 
delusion, without which the Union could not have been broken. 
I believed what I said of the impossibility of reconstruction. 
Time and events have deepened these convictions. 

" I felt little comfort in the flippant assurances of the san- 
guine orators, ' that the Yankee could not fight if they would 
and would not if they could.' I knew that time was when 
they had fought, and I believed that by collision with our 
brave troops they would learn to do it again. In war as in 
politics it was unwise to underrate your adversary. 

" The war, with its afflictive train of sujffering, privation, 
and death, has served to eradicate all idea of reconstruction, 
even with those who made it the basis of their argument in 
favor of disunion. 

" I always regarded it as impossible except by the success 
of the northern arms, and then only the Union in name and 7iot 



31 

the free Government of our fathers. I want no such union as 
that^ and will not accept it. 

" The best argument in favor of disunion, and tlie one most 
relied on by its advocates, is apprehension for security of 
our slave property. If it vras not then in danger it is in ex- 
treme peril now. So far as Mr. Lincoln and the Abolitionists are 
concerned, there is nothing left us hut to resist to the last, by all 
the means at our cominand, their efforts to destroy and despoil us. 

" They present us no alternative but ruin or victory. No 
fraternal appeal comes from tlie fanatical Abolitionist to pause 
and consider of terms of peace. He is resolved to conquer us 
and extirpate slavery; or, failing in this, to intensify the 
hatred of the two sections to such a degree as will create an 
impassable gulf between the people of the United States and 
those of the confederate States that shall make them enemies 
forever. Surely no southerner can desire peace with the sur- 
render of our invaluable institution. 

"Independence itself would be but an empty sound if ob- 
tained at such a cost. 

" I am not the eulogist of any living man, and never intend 
to be. Indiscriminate praise is as worthless as indiscriminate 
censure. I shall continue to exercise my right as a freeman so 
long as I am free in expressing an honest opinion of any 
measure of public policy. In doing this I shall endeavor to be 
guided by my convictions of right and expediency, and not to 
be influenced by personal dislikes. I am not aware that I 
entertain any such feelings towards any of our public men. 
While I have not ai:)proved of every act of President Davis's ad- 
ministration, I am not prepared to say that IJcnow of another 
'more capable of serving the confederacy in the discharge of the 
embarrassing duties that devolved upon his high office. I sympa- 
thize with no factious opposition to his administration. 

" Occupying the position I did, I did not think it becoming 
me to attempt to outstrip the leaders of tlie revolution in their 
efforts to stimulate the youth of the country to volunteer. I 
made no inflammatory appeals to their patriotism, but denied 
them not my aid and my sympathy in their trying advejiiure. 
I was impressed with the idea that the example was superior 
to any power of words, and since I declined to volunteer I 



32 

did not feel willing to urge others to do what I failed to do 
myself. Early in the struggle the youth of my household and 
those of my nearest kindred flew to arms. The soil of Virginia 
has drunk deep of the life-blood of my gallant young kins- 
men. 

" Me Stewakt. That was pretty loyal to the confederacy 
then ; and is it strange that he should get the votes of the 
confederate soldiers in that Legislature after having written 
that letter in the height of the rebellion in 1863 ? Is it strange 
that he should be in harmony with them ? Is it strange that 
he should be fighting Governor Bullock, Foster Blodgett, and 
those men ? 

I cannot better comment upon the above letter, written by 
Joshua Hill than by reproducing an editorial from the Atlanta 
New Era, of April 18th, 1871, as follows : 

SENATOR HILL AND THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. 

" "We regret that the Hon. Joshua Hill has found it neces- 
sary to refer to his political record of 1863. And we regret 
it all the more, since he referred to it in the manner he did 
in his recent speech in the United States Senate. 

" Mr. Hill was a candidate for the office of Governor in 
1863. He was put in nomination as against Hon. Joseph E. 
Brown, who was then Governor, and who was a candidate for 
re-election. Mr. Hill's friends then claimed that he was true 
to the cause of the Southern Confederacy — much truer, in fact, 
than Governor Brown, who was fighting the odious Conscrip- 
tion Act of the Richmond GoverLment. 

" Unlike Governor Brown Mr. Hill had been a Union man. 
He had denied as well the right as the policy of secession ; 
and instead of " withdrawing " or seceding, he resigned his 
seat in Congress, after the passage of the Ordinance of 
Secession. 

" This afforded a pretext for questioning his loyalty to the 
Southern cause. The charge was made that Mr. Hill was at 
heart a " Reconstructionist,' (that was the word then in use ;) 
and that he would, if elected, betray his trust. The Constitu- 
tion of the State, under which Mr, Hill sought office, and 
which he would, in the event of his election, have sworn to 



33 

support, imposed an oath to '■support the Constitution of the 
Confederate States.'' And of course nobqdyhad a right to sup- 
pose for a moment that Mr. Hill would, after taking such an 
oath, prove recreant to the Confederacy, in support of which 
he had given two sons to the Confederate army. 

" E^svertheless, Mr Hill thought it necessary to write and 
publish a letter, wherein he endeavored to set the question of 
his loyalty to the Southern cause above suspicion ; and we 
happen to know that he was supported by those who would 
have resented, as a personal insult, any imputation upon their 
fealty to the cause of the Confederacy." 

HILL'S POLITICAL DISABILITIES REMOVED. 

In 1S68, Congress relieved Hill of any political disabilities 
he might be laboring under, from which sprung the following 
correspondence, wherein he confesses to have taken the " test 
oath" twice : 

Atlanta, July 16th, 1868. 

My Dear Sir, — It affords me pleasure to inform you that I 
have received official information that, by a vote of two-thirds 
of each House of Congress, any political disability which may 
have attached to yourself, has been removed. 

Very respectfully, 

R. B. Bullock, Governor elect. 
Hon. Joshua Hill, Atlanta. 

!N"ow read the gracious reply : 

Atlanta, Ga., July iU?t, 1868. 

His Excellency R. B. Bullock : 

Dear Sir, — I was surprised to learn by your note of this 
day, that Congress had " relieved me of any political disability 
which may have attached to me." I cannot be thankful for 
what I neither needed nor desired. I have induced Congress 
to relieve several Georgians of their political disabilities, but 
it never occurred to me to solicit relief for myself. It is more 
than two years 'siw.c.e I first took what is Jcnown as the ''^ test 
3 



34 

oath.'''' I have taken it twice. I have never feared a charge 
of perjury for doing so. 

I appreciate intended kindnesses, except where thej make 
me ridiculous. "Whether the application for my relief was 
designed to detract from my standing as a constant friend of 
the Union, I cannot tell, but such, unquestionably, is its eifoct. 
I shall be better able to determine this when I come to know 
who volunteered in my behalf. I shall endeavor to ascertain 
to whom I am indebted. 

If within your power to relieve my anxiety on this point, I 
shall be much obliged for the information. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Joshua Hill. 

Notwithstanding Hill's boast of being able to take the " test 
oath," and of having so freely taken it, I believe he availed 
himself of the oath for the " relieved " when he took a seat in 
the Senate — availed himself of the " relief" Congress so mag- 
nanimously afforded, the fact of which Gov. Bullock so kindly 
and courteously communicated, and which Hill so coarsely 
spurned ! 

WHO IS GUILTY OF PERJURY? 

How does the case stand now ? 

Joshua Hill says I committed perjury while the foregoing 
testimony, and a jury of my countrymen, in the U. S. Cir- 
cuit Court say I have not ! 

But how is it with Joshua Hill ? 

He sought the office of Governor of Georgia, during the 
rebellion, and had he been elected he would have had to have 
taken an oath to support the Constitution of the Confederate 
States. In his letter of 1863, he shows himself intensely dis- 
loyal to the Union. "While, in his letter to Gov. Bullock, of 
July J 6th, 1868, he confesses to have taken the "test oath," 
twice ; and, in reply to Senator Stewart, in debate, April 
10th, 18T1, acknowledged to having taken the test oath. [See 
Congressional Globe, page 553.] 

He has never been tried for it, as I have been ! He has 



35 

never been acquitted by a jury of his countrjmea as I have 
been ! 

By his own declarations, acts and confessions does not 
Joshua Hill stand before the world guilty of something 
strongly resembling peijury ? 

With the above statement of facts I leave the decision to the 
judgment of any unprejudiced mind. 

Yery respectfully, 

FOSTER BLODGETT. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 704 759 7 



